Mala Popadya (1597 m a.s.l.) is a wild and rewarding summit in the Gorgany massif of the Ukrainian Carpathians, standing just northwest of its taller neighbour Popadya — hence the name, meaning 'Little Popadya'. It is a place where raw mountain nature takes centre stage, offering a genuine off-the-beaten-path adventure.

The summit itself is asymmetrical and relatively flat on top, but the journey there is anything but easy. The northern and western slopes are steep, and much of the terrain around the peak is covered in extensive boulder fields and dense, almost impenetrable thickets of dwarf pine — a hallmark of the Gorgany range. The lower slopes are draped in beautiful coniferous forest of spruce and pine, creating a rich and atmospheric backdrop in all seasons. On clear days, the surrounding peaks add drama to the scene: Parenky (1735 m) and Grofa (1748 m) rise to the northeast, while Studenets (1600 m) stands to the east.

• Starting point — village of Osmoloda (the nearest settlement at the foot of the Gorgany range) — route through coniferous forest, difficulty: demanding due to steep slopes and dense dwarf pine scrub near the top.

• The northern and western slopes are steep — take extra care on the descent.
• Dense dwarf pine thickets and boulder fields significantly slow progress near the summit.

The Gorgany range, where Mala Popadya stands, is one of the least developed and most pristine parts of the Ukrainian Carpathians — a true reward for those who value solitude and untouched mountain wilderness.